Franco Battiato
La Voce Del Padrone

THE REVIEW

Franco Battiato is one of the most original and expressive figures in the Italian scene of the last twenty years. He was born in Riposto, in the province of Catania. He moved to Milan in the sixties and entered the world of Italian music. At the end of the decade, he recorded some singles in the pop domain and collaborated with historical singer-songwriters of our music, such as Giorgio Gaber.

The album was released in 1981 and with this record, Battiato definitively left behind the progressive rock that had characterized his previous albums. ‘La Voce Del Padrone’ is an album that opened new musical scenarios for the artist and achieved incredible commercial success. It was indeed the first Italian album to surpass one million copies sold.

The album was initially much criticized because it was said that the singer-songwriter chose this type of songs specifically to win over the public, but Battiato himself has always denied these claims.
Seven songs, but above all, seven unforgettable hits. Thanks to the language of pop-rock Battiato tells and brings to life moments of his personal life.

The album opens with ‘Summer On A Solitary Beach’ introduced by the sound of waves. The combination of lyrics and music is enchanting and very delicate, immersing the listener in the atmosphere of the song. The English words within the track are truly beautiful. ‘Bandiera Bianca’ is the song that brought the album to maximum success. Once again, deep and meaningful lyrics, with critiques of racism, politics, and consumerism. A delightful organ accompanies Battiato’s voice, who also criticizes Alan Sorrenti, who shifted from experimental music to easier and more accessible sounds. ‘Gli Uccelli’ gently caresses the listener with its stunning melody. It speaks of birds flying free and drawing imperceptible trajectories in the sky, as the lyrics say. It also talks about migrations that take them far away. ‘Cuccurucucu’ is a very famous song that talks about his loves, the world that is gray and blue, and also about Afghan refugees and Native Americans. An anthem for entire generations, it is the song that synthesizes the singer-songwriter's musical and compositional style. Here, too, there are English words and a reference to the Rolling Stones. The use of the choir at the end of the song is very beautiful. ‘Segnali Di Vita’ describes how a man can change and feel oppressed by his state of mind. Once again, magnificent music for lyrics that encapsulate the meaning of life, and it's not the first time. Battiato speaks directly to the listener, creating unique emotions.

Another very famous hit is ‘Centro Di Gravità Permanente’ with its overwhelming rhythm. In this case, it seeks a place that doesn't change one’s mind about certain aspects of life. There are references to Beijing, Russian choirs, and English punk. But more than references, they are open critiques by Battiato. The ending in English is gorgeous. The album closes with ‘Il Sentimento Nuevo’ which captivates with its sensual vortex. The lyrics are very explicit, also referencing Ulysses' sirens. The theme of the song is a man who lets himself be carried away by emotions and gets lost in the enchantment that is created. It’s truly a direct piece, but thanks to the meaning of the lyrics, it is both stunning and magnificent at the same time.

‘La Voce Del Padrone’ is an intense album, rich in meaning, that delivers great emotions. Every man can recognize himself in the words of this masterpiece. It’s a record to be seen as a mirror to look at one's own existence, one's own life. In just over 30 minutes, all this is told: not everyone succeeds, only the greats like him do.